Methods and apparatus for a modular utility connection system

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for a modular utility connection system according to various aspects of the present invention include one or more utilities routed within a housing. The housing connects each of the routed utilities to a suitable preexisting source. The housing may also be linkably connected to one or more additional housings such that only a single housing need be connected to the preexisting source. The housing also comprises access points to each of the utilities allowing a user access to the utility via the housing rather than connecting directly to the source.

1. An expandable modular utility grid connection system, comprising:
 a freestanding container, comprising a plurality of feet disposed along a bottom surface of the freestanding container; 
 a plurality of utilities at least partially enclosed within the container, wherein the utilities comprise electrical power, a data link, an air supply system, a vacuum system, and an electrostatic safety system; 
 a first plurality of linkable connection points disposed along an exterior surface of the container configured to selectively connect each of the plurality of utilities to a utility source; and 
 a plurality of utility connection points disposed along the exterior surface of the container configured to allow an operator to access the plurality of utilities. 
 
     
     
       2. An expandable modular utility grid connection system according to  claim 1 , wherein the container is adapted for use and operation in a clean room environment. 
     
     
       3. An expandable modular utility grid connection system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a second plurality of linkable connection points disposed along the exterior surface of the container opposite the first plurality of linkable connection points wherein the second plurality of linkable connection points is configured to:
 linkably connect to a second freestanding container in a series configuration; and 
 connect the plurality of utilities to the second freestanding container. 
 
     
     
       4. An expandable modular utility grid connection system according to  claim 1 , wherein each of the first plurality of linkable connection points is configured to couple to an existing fixed utility source. 
     
     
       5. An expandable modular utility grid connection system according to  claim 1 , wherein the air supply system comprises a pressurized gas. 
     
     
       6. An expandable modular utility grid connection system according to  claim 5 , wherein the pressurized gas comprises nitrogen. 
     
     
       7. An expandable modular utility grid connection system according to  claim 1 , wherein the freestanding container further comprises a selectively accessible opening configured to provide access to an interior portion of the freestanding container. 
     
     
       8. An expandable modular utility grid connection system according to  claim 1 , wherein the freestanding container further comprises a handle disposed on the exterior surface of the freestanding container. 
     
     
       9. An expandable modular utility grid connection system according to  claim 1 , wherein the electrical power comprises:
 a first electrical service line of a first voltage; and 
 a second electrical service line of a second voltage. 
 
     
     
       10. A linkably modular utility grid connection system for a clean room workcenter comprising:
 a first freestanding utility box configured for placement at a first workstation, comprising aplurality of feet disposed along a bottom surface of the freestanding utility box; 
 a plurality of utilities enclosed within the utility box, wherein the utilities comprise electrical power, a data link, an air supply system, a vacuum system, and an electrostatic safety system; 
 a first plurality of linkable connection points disposed along an exterior surface of the utility box configured to link each of the plurality of utilities to source for each of the plurality of utilities; 
 a second plurality of linkable connection points disposed along an exterior surface of the utility box opposite that of the first plurality of linkable connection points, wherein the second plurality of linkable connection points are configured to link the plurality of utilities of the first utility box to a second freestanding utility box in a series configuration to support a second workstation; and 
 a plurality of utility connection points disposed along the exterior surface of the utility box configured to provide access the plurality of utilities. 
 
     
     
       11. A connection system according to  claim 10 , wherein the each of the plurality of linkable connection points is configured to attach to an existing fixed utility source. 
     
     
       12. A connection system according to  claim 10 , wherein the freestanding utility box further comprises a selectively accessible opening configured to provide access to an interior portion of the freestanding utility box. 
     
     
       13. A connection system according to  claim 10 , wherein the freestanding utility box further comprises a handle disposed on the exterior surface of the freestanding utility box. 
     
     
       14. A connection system according to  claim 10 , wherein the electrical power comprises:
 a first electrical service line of a first voltage; and 
 a second electrical service line of a second voltage. 
 
     
     
       15. A connection system according to  claim 10 , wherein the air supply system comprises a pressurized inert gas. 
     
     
       16. A connection system according to  claim 15 , wherein the inert gas comprises nitrogen. 
     
     
       17. A method of creating an expandable modular workstation, comprising:
 enclosing a plurality of utilities within a first freestanding housing, wherein:
 the plurality of utilities comprises electrical power, a data link, an air supply system, a vacuum system, and an electrostatic safety system; and 
 the first freestanding housing comprises:
 a plurality of feet disposed along a bottom surface of the freestanding utility box; and 
 a handle disposed on an exterior surface of the freestanding utility box; 
 
 
 placing a linkable connection point on the exterior surface of the first housing for each of the plurality of utilities, wherein the linkable connection point connects the housing to at least one of a second housing and a source for each of the plurality of utilities; and 
 placing a utility connection point on the exterior surface of the first housing for each of the plurality of utilities, wherein the utility connection point provides access to each of the plurality of utilities. 
 
     
     
       18. A method of creating a workstation according to  claim 17 , further comprising:
 enclosing a second plurality of utilities within the second housing, wherein the plurality of utilities comprises electrical power, a data link, an air supply system, a vacuum system, and an electrostatic safety system; 
 placing a linkable connection point on an exterior surface of the second housing for each of the second plurality of utilities; and 
 linking the second plurality of utilities to the first plurality of utilities. 
 
     
     
       19. A method of creating a workstation according to  claim 18 , wherein the first and second housings are adapted for use in a clean room. 
     
     
       20. A method of creating a workstation according to  claim 18 , further comprising arranging the first and second housings to create a workspace.